Outline
Itinerary
We
reserve the right to alter (lengthen or shorten) the trek at any time if
necessary.
Note:
if circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops may
vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
DAY
1: DEPART LONDON. Fly to Delhi.
DAY
2: ARRIVE DELHI. Sightseeing then transfer to overnight train. The
flight arrives around midnight. Transfer to your Delhi hotel (for
information on Delhi hotels please see the notes at the end of the
itinerary). You check out at midday and in the afternoon we provide
transport and an English-speaking guide to take you on a sightseeing
tour of Old and New Delhi. The heat, dust, sights and sounds of India's
frenetic capital can be quite a culture shock! This is followed by an
evening (approx. 19.00 hours) transfer to the railway station to board
the express train to Pathankot, travelling in air-conditioned sleeper
compartments. The express usually departs at 21.00 hours
About
Delhi: Delhi basically is 7 cities all merged into one and laced
together by the new city of the British Raj, designed by Lutyens &
Baker. It was one of the boldest expressions anywhere in the world of
British Imperial ambitions and has endless sightseeing possibilities.
Our tour of Delhi will include the Raj Ghat memorial, the site where
Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, the Red Fort, a lavish former palace of the
Mughal Empire and the Qutb Minar, the 73m high tower of victory.
RED
FORT. This imposing monument to the rule of Shah Jahan was begun in
1639 and completed in 1648, taking its name from the red sandstone used
in its construction. It is said to have cost 10 million rupees to build,
much of it spent on the opulent marble royal palaces within. Here the
Emperor exercised his divine authority in the Halls of Public and
Private Audience - seated in the latter on the fabulous gold-canopied
Peacock Throne that was inlaid with a vast number of sapphires, rubies,
emeralds and diamonds.
THE
QUTB MINAR. The Qutb Minar is a soaring tower of victory that was
built in 1193. The tower has three distinct stories each marked by a
projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone,
the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. Today this impressive
ornate tower has a slight tilt, but otherwise has worn the centuries
remarkably well.
DAY
3: ARRIVE PATHANKOT, DRIVE TO MC.LEOD GANJ. You are met on arrival
of the train (at
07.20 hrs). A two and a half hour taxi ride takes you to McLeod Ganj
(6,200ft/1,890m). You break your journey to have breakfast at Kotla.
McLeod Ganj is home to a thriving Tibetan community, who settled here
with the Dalai Lama in 1959. In the afternoon there is a sightseeing
tour laid on for those that wish, otherwise the time is yours to explore
the town or relax at the Hotel. Evening pre trek briefing. Overnight at
the Hotel Tibet.
About
Dharamsala & Mc.Leod-Ganj
Population approx. 20,000. Founded in 1855, it has one of the most
spectacular settings for a Hill Station. It is built along a spur of the
Dhaula Dhar range and varies in height from 4,500ft at the lower bazaar
to 5,900ft at McLeod-Ganj. It is surrounded by trees and is set against
a backdrop of peaks rising to over 15,600ft/4,755m on three sides. The
great granite mountains almost overhang the town. Views are superb, not
only of the mountains but also over the Kangra Valley and Siwaliks.
There are two sections to the town, the upper part is McLeod Ganj and
the lower is called Dharamsala. The distance between them is almost 10km
by road from centre to centre but there is a shorter, steeper path that
takes about 40 minutes to cover. In both there is a strong Tibetan
influence. The Dalai Lama settled here after his flight across the
Himalaya following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in October 1959. There
is a monastery at McLeod Ganj, a short distance along from the Dalai
Lama's residence, and a Library.
Dharamsala was one of the 80 hill stations established by the British
between 1815 and 1847 though it was not on a par with Simla, Nainital
and Mussoorie in terms of popularity and size. The Church of St
John-in-the-Wilderness (1860) is a short distance below McLeod Ganj on
the way to Forsythganj. Along with other buildings in the area it was
destroyed by the earthquake of 1905 but has been rebuilt. The 8th Lord
of Elgin, one of the few Viceroys to die in office, is buried here.
Apparently, it was his wish as it reminded him of his beloved native
Scotland. There are some very attractive stained glass windows here and
some fascinating tombstone inscriptions.
DAY
4: TREK TO GEHRA (6,000ft/1,829m). Approx. 5 hours walk. After
breakfast you leave Mcleod Ganj behind and ascend into pine and
rhododendron forest before reaching Dal Lake. The highest point of
today's walk is just before Dal Lake at around 6,700ft/2,042m (not to be
confused with the Kashmir lake!) for an early lunch. To continue our
journey you pass several hamlets before descending towards Gehra, your
first campsite. There is a chance to swim and rest tired feet in the
nearby river. You may well see monkeys in this area.
DAY
5: TREK TO NOLI. (7,000ft/2,134m). Approx. 5 hours walk. Morning tea
is brought to you first thing. After a leisurely breakfast, you make
your way along winding shepherd trails, through a valley dotted with
villages and cultivated terraces until you reach Kereri, a small village
inhabited by Gaddi shepherds where you have lunch. Here there is a one
hundred year old Forest Officer's bungalow. Built by the British, it was
part of a system of local administration. Many villages have Water
Buffalo and you may well see the men and women spinning and weaving
wool. In the afternoon you have a gradual ascent through pine, oak and
rhododendron forest to reach Noli, gateway to the domain of the Gaddi
shepherds. Camp beside wooden bridge at Noli.
DAY
6: TREK TO THE BASE OF THE KERERI LAKE. (8,500ft). Approx. 6 hours
walk. We strike camp at 8.30 am and continue deeper into the valley
along a forest trail that leads you towards the Dhaula-Dhar mountains,
having lunch en-route. In the afternoon you continue your ascent through
pine and rhododendron forest until we reach our campsite.
DAY
7: TREK TO KERERI LAKE. (10,500ft/3,200m). Approx. 4 hours walk. You
follow a forest trail on a gradual ascent through thick pine and bearded
oak forest until you reach Kereri lake situated at the base of the
Minkiani pass. This can be a long, challenging climb but there is no
hurry. We camp at Kereri Lake. The afternoon is free to explore the
surrounding high ridges that offer spectacular views of both the Kangra
valley below and the Dhaula Dhar mountain range. There is a temple here
just near the lakeside
DAY
8: TREK TO RHELLA. (8,000ft/2,438m). Approx. 5 hours walk. Today we
continue our journey by crossing a ridge and making a steep descent
(again there is no hurry) into an unspoilt valley. Here there is
rhododendron and wild chestnut trees, green meadows with alpine flowers
and clear mountain streams. We have lunch along the way before reaching
Rhella, the next camping area.
DAY
9: REST DAY. Time to relax in the camp and go dipping in the nearby
river, read or write diaries. There will be an optional walk in the
afternoon.
DAY
10: TREK TO LAKA RIVER. (6,200ft) Approx. 6 hours walk. You follow
in the footsteps of the Gaddi shepherds, winding your way down Rhella
Valley and stop for lunch beside a river. We walk over intermediate
ridges, before descending towards our campsite near Laka river. In the
afternoon there is an optional walk to Guna temple, 7,000ft/2,134m,
(approx 2 hours walk, there and back) a pilgrimage centre for the Gaddi
shepherds. Sightings of the Goddess have been reported in this area and
pilgrims travel great distances to offer their respects.
DAY
11: TREK TO TRIUND. (9,000ft/2,743m). Approx. 5 hours walk. A
gradual climb past cultivated terraced fields and village hamlets brings
us to Gullu ridge 7,500ft/2,286m, where you have lunch. A long afternoon
walk takes you to Triund, situated at the foot of the Dhaula-Dhar range.
You camp on a meadow with views of the peaks above and the Kangra valley
below.
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DAY
12: TREK TO LAKA. (11,000ft/3,353m). Approx. 4 hours walk. After
breakfast a rocky trail leads you through pine forest in a steady ascent
to Lake Got (11,000ft/3,353m), at the base of the Indra-Har pass
(14,100ft/4,328m).
DAY
13: OPTIONAL WALK TO THE INDRA HAR PASS. WALK TO DHARAMKOT.
(14,100ft/4,328m). An early morning start for those who want to climb
the Indra Har pass. (Approx 4 hrs walk) From the pass you will be
rewarded by views of the Pir Panjal Himalayas and Mount Kailash, the
abode of Shiva. Packed lunch en route. In the afternoon we will walk to
Dharamkot, (approx 3 hours walk) a protected nature reserve and home to
the Butterworth family. This lies on a wooded ridge, with views up to
the craggy peaks of the Dhaula Dhar ridge - the most beautiful perhaps
being Moon Peak (15,100ft/4,604m). There are also very fine views across
the Kangra valley. The protected status of the woods means that much of
the wildlife is relatively tame; some very fine pheasants can be seen,
including chir pheasant and Khalij pheasant. Accommodation will be in
stone cottages or tents.
DAY
14: RETURN TO MCLEOD GANJ, VISIT TIBETAN CENTRES, THEN DRIVE TO
PATHANKOT FOR TRAIN TO DELHI. There is a 1 hour walk down through the
woods from Dharamkot to McLeod Ganj. The day is spent exploring the
Tibetan handicrafts centre run by the Dalai Lama's sister. You will also
visit the Tibetan children's' village, a refugee centre for homeless
Tibetan children. You then drive back to Pathankot to catch the 17.45
overnight train back to Delhi.
DAY
15: ARRIVE DELHI. Early morning and transfer to your Delhi hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel your bags will be left with the
bell-captain and the morning is free to finish off any shopping or
sightseeing. Rooms are available at the hotel from midday onwards
allowing you time to rest before your flight.
DAY
16: FLY TO LONDON
Grade
Moderate:
You should be reasonably fit. Please note that although in terms of
altitude and number of days of consecutive trekking, this trek fits our
own definition of 'moderate', it is however a remote trek using shepherd
paths that are occasionally ill-defined and in places the ascents are a
little tough. Nevertheless the days are usually of short duration and the
pace of walking can be as relaxed as you like.
Climate
The best
weather in this part of Himachal Pradesh is from October/November, with
warm sunny days and pleasant nights. It can be quite hot during the day
(up to 25°C) at lower altitudes and at higher altitudes (over 10,000ft)
the temperature can drop to -1°C at night. In late March/April there is
the added attraction to many of rhododendron in bloom. The monsoon season
starts from Mid June until the end of September.
Although the departures are timed to coincide with good weather, please
bear in mind that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly
predictable and that you should be prepared for any adverse conditions.
Altitude
Maximum altitude 4,328m (optional); average 3,000m. Most of the
paths on this trek are well maintained, being trade routes between the
villages. At the top end of the valley there are only shepherds' paths to
follow.
What's Included
Included:
Accommodation Delhi: The 4 star Oberoi Maidens Hotel. Situated close to
the city center, this hotel is fully air-conditioned and has a swimming
pool, bar and restaurant. In McCleod Ganj we use the Hotel Tibet, a
simple, clean comfortable accommodation and friendly service in one of the
best local hotels.
TRAIN: We reserve air-conditioned sleeper compartments for the journey to
and from Pathankot. The carriage will be either 1st or 2nd class
air-conditioned.
MEAL PLAN: Bed and breakfast in Delhi and McLeod Ganj. Full board on trek.
Not
Included: Visa fees, passports or vaccinations. Excursions unless
stated. Entry fees to historical monuments. Hotel porterage or tips. Meals
and drinks other than those stated. Travel Insurance.
Documents
If you
are applying for an Indian visa by post, the Indian High Commission
requires up to five weeks to process your application, so ensure that you
submit your application in good time. Also note, however, that Indian
visas are only valid for six months from the date of issue, and therefore
must not be applied for too early. This means you will have to have left
India within six months of issue of the visa.
Health Matters
A full
medical kit accompanies the trek, but we recommend that people carry their
own small personal first aid kit. A suggested list of contents will be
included in the pre-departure information as well as more general
information on vaccinations. You will need to consult your doctor usually 5
weeks prior to departure, to work out an immunisation schedule
relevant to your destination country. The following should be used as a
guideline only: - Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Malaria, and
Meningitis. More details concerning vaccinations are given in our Indian
pre-departure information that is forwarded to you on confirmation of your
booking.
Personal Expenses
The
amount of money you take with you depends on how much you intend to spend!
Souvenir purchases aside, a sum of £130 or $200 per person, should cover
any extra costs, although it would be wise to take a little more, as you
will invariably be tempted by the very attractive handicrafts of the
region. Main meals in cities such as Delhi and Kathmandu at the very best
restaurants are inexpensive. Dinner will cost between £7-£13. Bring duty
free drinks, as spirits are costly! Wines are not of a high standard and
beers are at least £1 per bottle. Sterling travellers cheques are easily
exchanged in the major hotels and banks. Most hotels and some shops in the
big cities accept credit cards such as American Express and Mastercard.
Insurance
You must
have insurance to cover you against medical expenses and repatriation.
Please ensure your insurance covers all the activities you will be
participating in, including trekking, mountain biking, climbing and
white-water rafting if applicable.
IMPORTANT
NOTE: Whilst every effort is made to keep to the above itinerary,
clients will hopefully appreciate that this is adventure travel in a
remote mountain region. Given the nature of these treks there will
quite likely be changes to the itinerary in terms of anything from on the
spot choice of camp site to the day that a rest day is taken. Weather
conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns off the beaten track,
local availability of porters, can contribute to the need for changes.
Mark Butterworth will do everything in his power to see that you are
inconvenienced as little as possible in such events. Timings given are
approximate.
Books
Recommended
is: Christina Noble's book 'Over the High Passes' gives a perfect
description of the Gaddi people and this region: Publisher: FORTANA/COLLINS.
ISBN 0-00-637350-X
Also see:
The Arts of India: Cornell University Press
India File: Trevor Fishlock
Trekking in the Indian Himalaya: Lonely Planet
India Travel Survival Kit: Lonely Planet
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